Caring for abandoned shelties

December 29, 2005|KIM KILBRIDE Tribune Staff Writer

After stumbling across the Web site of a sheltie rescue group in Indiana, Colleen O'Connor spent eight months perusing it before taking the plunge and adopting a dog. She'd previously owned two shelties, the last of which died of old age about three years ago. "I needed time to put my toes in the water," she said. Now, Penny, a 7-year-old sheltie originally from the Indianapolis area, is at home with O'Connor in Granger. "She's sweet, obedient, quiet," the dog's new owner said of her. "I'm thrilled with my dog, love my dog." O'Connor is one of about a dozen local people who adopted a Shetland sheepdog this year through Sheltie Rescue of Central Indiana. The group, which serves the entire state and is based in Indianapolis, rescues, fosters and finds adoptive homes for abandoned dogs. Locally, there are about 10 members of the volunteer-run organization. Rhonda Kile, of Granger, is the adoption coordinator. Several members of the group got together recently to talk about their mission, current needs and love for the breed that's known for its intelligence and affection. "Their capacity for learning is far greater than my capacity to teach them," Kristin Beauchamp, a member from Niles, said of shelties. "I used to be a Lab momma," she said. "Now, I'm a sheltie momma." Joyce Jarolin, of Goshen, pulled out a pocket photo album with pictures of the shelties she's owned or fostered over the years. "My first sheltie was Misty -- two years ago -- and I've been hooked ever since," she said. Jarolin got emotional as she talked about why she fosters shelties who are often neglected, abused or abandoned. "They've been through so much," she said. " It's just a good feeling to know you're contributing something." The rescue group is now in need of foster homes. Those temporarily housing a sheltie through the organization are required to pay for the dog's food, Kile said. All medical bills and other expenses are paid for by the group. Shelties do shed and bark and require a lot of activity, she added. "But, if you're willing to take one of these dogs in -- if you have the time and patience -- you won't find anything more rewarding."Staff writer Kim Kilbride: kkilbride@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6112